<B>Steve Perry</B> was hired to join Journey as frontman and lead vocalist in 1978 when the band was undergoing a major change from its fusion-oriented roots towards melodic rock. Perry added an appreciation for the soul and rhythm & blues giants of the 1960s, as well as a penchant for writing top-forty tunes (not to mention a voice the quality of which has rarely been seen in popular music). Perry's voice, along with Schon's guitar technique and Cain's songwriting skill, has been credited for making Journey what it is today.